Benzene can form in some benzoyl peroxide acne products as the active ingredient breaks down. Most products tested show undetectable or very low levels, with only six products showing elevated results that led to limited recalls. Benzoyl peroxide, often called BPO, is a common acne treatment that fights acne-causing bacteria in washes, gels, creams and lotions. Benzene is a chemical that can damage eyes, skin, airways, nerves and lungs and can cause blood cancers such as leukemia.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- Why did benzene show up in acne treatment?
- What did FDA testing find?
- How risky is exposure from these products?
- What should you do with your products?
Why did benzene show up in acne treatment?
Valisure petitioned the Food and Drug Administration on March 6, 2024 after finding benzene formation at levels over 800 times the agency's 2 ppm conditional limit, as described in Valisure's March 2024 laboratory findings. The group reported that benzene comes from benzoyl peroxide itself breaking down, not from contaminated propellants or raw materials.
A later peer-reviewed study of 111 U.S. products confirmed the pattern. It found BPO drugs form benzene during room-temperature storage, and faster with heat up to 50C and sunlight-level ultraviolet exposure.
What did FDA testing find?
The Food and Drug Administration tested 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products with validated methods. The agency reported on March 11, 2025 that over 90 percent had undetectable or extremely low benzene, while six products showed elevated levels, according to the FDA statement on acne product testing and recalls. Those six elevated findings prompted limited retail-level voluntary recalls.
Affected products included La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Walgreens products, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief and Exfoliator, SLMD Lotion and Zapzyt products. FDA guidance states drug products should contain no benzene because of unacceptable toxicity. It allows up to 2 ppm only when benzene is unavoidable in manufacturing.
How risky is exposure from these products?
Risk from benzene depends on dose, duration and work performed. The CDC notes effects on eyes, skin, airways, nervous system and lungs, plus leukemia risk after higher or longer exposures.
For acne products, the context is reassuring but not zero risk. FDA stated that even with decades of daily use of these acne products, individual cancer risk from detected benzene is very low, and some elevated lots were near expiry.
What should you do with your products?
Check whether your product was part of the six-product recall group and stop using recalled lots. Do not stockpile BPO, and replace tubes or bottles that are old, discolored or past expiry.
Dermatology experts advise storing BPO as labeled, avoiding heat, replacing aged products and considering other options if concerned, as reported in dermatology guidance on storage and alternatives. Practical steps include:.
- store BPO at room temperature as labeled, away from heat and sun
- replace products each treatment cycle instead of keeping old tubes
- ask your clinician about salicylic acid, azelaic acid or a retinoid if you want a non-BPO option